8 Home Features That Are Scaring Off Buyers, According to Real Estate Experts

Some things are nice when you live in your home, but when it comes time to move on, they can quietly make your space harder to sell. Buyers take in a room almost instantly, picking up on anything that feels too personal or like a future expense. Instead, things should feel seamless—the easier a home feels to step into, the easier it is to move on the market.

To bridge that gap, it helps to understand what actually stands out during a showing. Below, we spoke with experts about the features that consistently slow down a sale—and why they make such a big difference.

Spaces That Feel Too Personal

Buyers react to a room within seconds. When design choices lean too bold or specific, it becomes harder for them to connect with the space. Examples include bold paint colors, themed walls, or heavy wallpaper. "Simple and neutral always sells better, and takes better photographs," says Jonathan Ayala, founder of Real Estate Photography.

Stagers see the same thing play out. “[Personalization] makes it harder for the buyer to imagine themselves in the space,” says Mattie Sheppard, strategic interior design advisor at Real Estate Bees. Buyers may not articulate it, but agents can feel the hesitation almost immediately.

High-Maintenance Features

Marble countertops, expensive flooring, or specialty appliances might feel like a luxury, but many buyers only see upkeep. “Consumers are most concerned about the price, maintenance, and safety,” says Ayala. “This is true of countertop materials that are easy to stain, or appliances that cost a lot to repair. Practical beats flashy.”

Visible Wear and Tear

Small details can instantly shift a buyer’s perception. “Old lights, battered floors, or fading cabinets signify that there's more money to be spent,” says Ayala. Buyers register these cues before they even consider the overall layout.

Layouts That Reduce Functionality

Layout changes that cut into storage or disrupt the natural flow of a home can hurt resale more than most sellers realize. “Altered garages, eliminated closets, or an open [floor plan] may cause buyers to believe that the home isn't functional,” says real estate agent Casey Gaddy.

Buyers want rooms that seamlessly adapt to their routines. When a layout feels too customized or limited, it makes them wonder how easily they could live there. Keeping the structure versatile provides a sense of possibility.

Above-Ground Pools

Few features spark buyer hesitation as much as an above-ground pool. “[It] might feel like an asset, but for many buyers, it’s more of a liability than a luxury,” says Gaddy. “They're often seen as temporary, unattractive, and high-maintenance.”

For many buyers, the upkeep, insurance, and safety considerations outweigh any potential benefit.

Chain-Link Fencing

Even when it's brand-new, a chain-link fence can instantly lower a home's perceived value. “Installing a new [one] is like carving dollars out of your home's value,” says Gaddy. “Buyers see it as a downgrade, not an upgrade.”

It’s one of the quickest curb appeal fixes. Swapping chain-link for wood or vinyl immediately elevates your exterior and gives buyers a stronger first impression.

Overgrown Landscaping

Landscaping frames the entire first impression of a home. However, when it’s allowed to grow wild, it sends buyers a different message. “Landscaping can quickly go from background beauty to full-blown distraction,” says Gaddy. “Keep it intentional and focused on the property, not the plants.”

Buyers want to see the house, not hunt for it behind shrubs. A quick trim or simplified planting can shift the whole feel of the exterior and make the home the focal point.

Strong Scents

During a showing, overpowering scents can raise red flags—even if the intention is to make the space feel cozy. “[It] makes a buyer feel like you're covering up something,” says Sheppard. A light, neutral scent always reads as cleaner and more trustworthy.